Letters: Blame game hurts American progress

Intelligence gaps must be filled
The intelligence community must work together and share information.
The lax security events that have occurred recently are totally unacceptable.
There can be no exceptions when “checking out” people at any given time to see if they are allowed into a particular area.
There is a feeling that separates segments of an intelligence group when the people are a combination of military and civilian personnel. The various agencies must exchange information. They are on the same team doing the same job.
Enemies of freedom have always been out there; they still are. We must never allow ourselves to be lulled into a state of tolerating indifference.
Difficult choices have to be made, but the intelligence workers must share information and function as one unit.
--E. ANTHONY MOSIO
--Springfield
Blame game hurts American progress
I usually read the first paragraph or two of the op-ed columns and give up because they tend to be biased to one side or the other. Tuesday’s column by David Brooks, however, was so right on. (“Mature citizens recognize sometimes the system fails” ).
We have become too much of a “find someone to blame” nation instead of recognizing that although there is technology, it is humans who set up what the search is.
The term “human error” is no longer acceptable – it must be a specific person’s error and that person may very well be ridden out of town on a rail rather than using the individual’s knowledge to right the wrong.
There are a few instances where the person ought to be on that rail, but most often not. I do not know if it is technology or lack of bipartisanship that has led us to this point, but it really should change.
Often more time (and press ink) is spent pointing the finger than solving the problem. What happened to the country that worked together for the good of all?
Between greed and finger-pointing, if our leaders don’t go back to the basics of looking out for the country as a whole rather than themselves and their buddies this county is going to make the rise and fall of the Roman Empire look like a tea party.
--MARILYN ISHLER
--South Hadley
O’Connor shelter place to find pets
On New Year’s Eve after having a wonderful lobster dinner with family I rushed home to bring in the new year with Georgie.
You see Georgie is a rescue dog from Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Shelter who needed to be in a home for a few days and feel loved. There is nothing that does my heart better than to give a rescue dog a break and bring one into my home for a few days.
Many of the dogs that come into TJO are found as unwanted strays, sometimes cats and dogs are brought in from drug raids and abuse and neglect, some are left behind in vacant homes and some are dropped off when they become old and their owners want a new puppy which is heartbreaking for the animal.
For whatever reason they come into the shelter, every dog and cat that has had a difficult life becomes such an awesome pet in a loving new home. They appreciate being loved and the rewards are so great for the new owners.
Georgie was so grateful to spend a few days with me, he just cuddled up next to me on the couch and you could see how happy he was. A young beautiful dog full of affection, it was difficult for me to return him.
If you’re thinking of adopting a cat or dog please visit TJO on Cottage Street in Springfield as there are so many cats and dogs that are aching for a “forever home” where they will finally be treated with the love all animals should have.
I ask you if you know of anyone who is abusing, neglecting, starving or fighting dogs please report them. Remember animals have all the same emotions as we do, they feel pain, fear, hunger and they just want to be loved and treated like a member of the family. Please be a voice for any animal in trouble.
--DONNA TAYLOR
--East Longmeadow
City Council ignores taxpayers’ input
I recently had the opportunity to attend three public hearings on raising the city of Springfield’s tax rate for 2010.
There was a public outcry not to raise property taxes. I always thought that elected officials, in particular city councilors were elected to represent their constituents. I guess that’s not the case in Springfield because when all was said and done, the public outcries fell on “deaf ears” and the result was to pass a residential tax increase of 9 percent and an increase in business rates as well. Springfield now has the highest residential and commercial tax rate in the commonwealth.
How those who voted to support the increase in taxes for residents after hearing the public outcry sleep at night is beyond my comprehension. Maybe they just don’t have a conscience.
--MICHAEL P. SZKLARZ
--Springfield